Abstract:
Use of a simpler, faster and reliable method for identification of species
of origin in fresh and processed meat products is required to prevent unethical
practices that may occur in the meat industry. The effectiveness of a random
amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) method for identification of fresh meats
from cattle, goat, sheep, camel, pork, wild swine, donkey, cat, dog, rabbit or
bear origin was evaluated using a 10-base primer (ACGACCCACG). The
method was also used to determine the species in a 1 : 1 mix of raw minced
meat from sheep-pork, horse-beef or beef-sheep. Characteristic RAPD profiles
for each species were obtained. However, efficacy of the technique in identifying
species in meat mixtures varied depending on the species in the mix.
These results indicate that RAPD may be useful for identification of meat
samples from single species, such as intact meat samples, whereas caution
should be exercised in identification of origin of species in minced meat that
may consist of multiple species.
